Gemotions

The aroma of grilling burgers wafted through the air, carried by the gentle breeze. Across the fence, laughter rang out, followed by the happy yelps of the beagle, Buddy. She stood in her own backyard, the air thick with the smell of the neglected weeds.

She'd spent the entire day inside, finishing up a spreadsheet for her boring desk job. The clack of the keyboard felt like a punishment.

She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. She glanced back at her house, the windows reflecting the dying sun. She thought about the endless cycle of work and bills, and the sheer emptiness of her evenings. She pictured Buddy, happily gnawing on a bone, and wanted to scream.